Despite the fact that we live in Ruda Śląska, close to Zgoda, we only learned about Sister Dulcissima when our daughter Edyta fell ill. Father Peter, the pastor of our parish, then gave us relics, that is, earth from the grave of Sr. Dulcissima, the future saint, and so the sister came to live with us, in our family, and became our friend.
My daughter was diagnosed with stomach cancer, it was a difficult diagnosis for us, a huge blow, a shock. A new and difficult situation to accept. First we heard: stomach cancer, and after the stomach was resected, we learned that there was a metastasis to the liver. Edyta underwent three surgeries, eight chemotherapy treatments, many medical consultations. In these struggles with the disease, the experience of suffering, our daughter was always accompanied by Dulcissima. With her relics, Edith traveled to all the hospitals, to medical appointments and for examinations. Sister Dulcissima was with Edith, she was with us every day. Through her intercession we asked for health for our daughter.
It so happened that this year we wanted to celebrate our Friend’s 114th birthday in Birchwood. On the occasion of Sister Dulcissima’s birthday, it was possible to write a “gritty letter” to the birthday girl, because that’s what the sisters suggested, so I wrote one. It was a great event for me, I felt as if I had written a letter to Heaven. On her birthday we were at Mass in the convent chapel, and I put the letter to Dulcissima in a specially prepared large envelope just below the altar.
Then, within a short time, her daughter’s health began to improve. Edyta, together with her fiancé David, decided to get sacramentally married. Then we decided to invite our friend Sister Dulcissima to the ceremony. Sister was with us during the difficult moments, and we invited her to those happy moments as well. Edith and David’s wedding was special, because their guest was the future saint, it was such a tangible experience of the Holy Communion.
The Sisters of Birch gave the newlyweds an icon depicting Sister Dulcissima and St. Therese. Father Peter welcomed the servant of God Sr. Dulcissima as the most important wedding guest, placed a portrait of Dulcissima at the altar on a specially prepared place and at the end of the wedding mass blessed this beautiful gift. Sister Dulcissima was also with us at the wedding, taking the place previously prepared for her in the wedding hall.
We announced our visit to Birchwood for 15.09. When I arranged our meeting with the sisters, Sister Margaret was happy to inform us that on 16.09 is the day when Sister Dulcissima’s name day is. I was heartily pleased. It’s no coincidence, our friend invited us to celebrate together. Although we have had Sister’s relics for two years and Sister is with us every day, for her celebrations she invites us to her home in Birch.
Thank you Sister Dulcissima.
Joanna M
Ruda Śląska, 15.09.2024